Czech ruling parties have decided not to transfer L-159 fighter jets to Ukraine, despite President Petr Pavel’s plan to supply them quickly.
The decision not to deliver L-159 combat aircraft to Ukraine was confirmed by SPD leader and lower-house speaker Tomio Okamura, the outlet Vinegret reported.
On Monday, January 19, the coalition council of the governing parties ANO, SPD and Motoristé sobě met in Prague. After the meeting, they decided against transferring Czech-made L-159 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Okamura told reporters: “These aircraft are needed by our army.”
He added that the decision applies both to a free handover and any potential sale to Kyiv.
The move indicates that supplying L-159s to Ukraine is not a priority for the ruling coalition, regardless of President Pavel’s statements.
Earlier, a political dispute has erupted between President Petr Pavel and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka over the possible transfer of L-159 fighter jets to help counter Russian drones.
Pavel has also said the Czech Republic is ready to help strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses by providing several medium fighter jets in the near future.
